A clock radio for the Internet age

When the Sensia Internet radio from Pure premiered this week at the Consumer Electronics Show, it borrowed a page from the iPhone’s playbook. What might otherwise look like a typical clock radio stood out with a 5.7-inch touch screen that can make channel surfing substantially easier, faster and more fun. Instead of dials or buttons, controls are manipulated by sliding, swiping or tapping a finger. The design includes an input for an iPod or MP3 player and a virtual keyboard for on-screen searches of stations or navigation of apps for Facebook, Twitter and more. Early reviews described decent sound quality considering the product’s size; dual 30-watt speakers got high marks for clarity and sharp channel separation. With the optional battery pack, you can listen anywhere within WiFi range. Price: $349. And, yes, it has an alarm.

-- Jeff Spurrier